What Is the Origin of Roses & the Meaning of Their Color?
History Theophrastus–a Greek philosopher and the father of botany–provided the first identifiable reference to the rose in his 3rd-century B.C. book, “The Causes of Plants.” However, since a fossilized rose was discovered in Colorado, its origin is probably much earlier, according to the Orlando Area Historical Rose Society. Types The Encyclopedia Britannica explains that there are 100-plus varieties of roses that only grow in the Northern Hemisphere. The most common colors are orange, pink, red, yellow and white. Significance Each rose hue has a distinct symbolism: orange (desire); pink (admiration); red (romantic love); yellow (friendship) and white (innocence). Other color meanings include: lavender (love at first sight); peach (gratitude); blue (mystery); green (abundance); and cream (perfection). Misconceptions Black roses convey both positive and negative meanings according to RosesforLove.com. Bravery and a fresh start are as much a part of their symbolism as sadness and death
